Ledger Nano X & S Plus (2025): Industry-Standard Security with Ledger Live

CC EAL5+ secure element with on-device transaction confirmation

Huge asset coverage (5,000+ via Ledger Live + external apps)

Polished Ledger Live app: portfolio, staking, swaps, NFT view

Broad dApp compatibility by pairing with MetaMask/Sparrow/Electrum

Firmware isn’t fully open-source (a dealbreaker for some)

Some coins still require third-party wallets or extra setup

The Ledger Nano X and Nano S Plus are among the most widely used hardware wallets, balancing strong security with a polished app experience (Ledger Live). The Nano X adds Bluetooth and a larger battery for mobile-first users, while the S Plus delivers excellent value via USB-C without Bluetooth.

Key Specifications

Feature	Details
Display	128×64 px OLED (both models)
Security Chip	CC EAL5+ Secure Element (ST33 series)
Backup Options	24-word BIP39 recovery phrase; optional passphrase (“25th word”)
Connectivity	Nano X: USB-C + Bluetooth LE; S Plus: USB-C (no Bluetooth)
Operating Systems	Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop via Ledger Live); Android (USB-C OTG); iOS (Nano X via Bluetooth; some assets require desktop)
Supported Assets	5,000+ coins & tokens via Ledger Live + external apps
Form Factor	USB key–style with metal swivel cover (pocketable)
Weight	Nano X: ~34 g; S Plus: ~21 g
Price (MSRP)	Nano X ≈ $149; S Plus ≈ $79 (varies by region/promotions)

Design & Build

Ledger’s signature metal swivel cover protects the OLED screen and buttons while keeping the device compact and pocket-friendly.

The Nano X includes an internal battery for cable-free use with iOS/Android, whereas the S Plus is bus-powered over USB-C. Both models feel robust enough for daily carry without adding bulk to your EDC kit.

Security Features

Secure Element (CC EAL5+): Private keys are generated and stored inside a certified secure element designed to resist physical extraction.
PIN & Optional Passphrase: Protects access and enables plausible deniability for advanced users.
Transaction Verification on Device: All critical actions require on-device review and confirmation.
Open SDK & Audited Apps: While firmware is not fully open-source, Ledger’s app ecosystem and SDK enable external audits and broad asset support.
Ledger Recover (Opt-in): An optional, paid shard-based recovery service (off by default); many users simply rely on standard seed backups.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Out of the box, Ledger Live covers major networks (BTC, ETH, LTC, SOL, ADA, DOT, and many ERC-20s). For long-tail assets and niche chains, third-party apps and wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum, Sparrow) can connect with Ledger for on-device signing—expanding support to thousands more tokens.

Customer Feedback

“The Nano X is my daily driver—Bluetooth plus Ledger Live make portfolio checks and swaps painless while still signing on-device.”

“S Plus is the best value in Ledger’s lineup. No battery, no Bluetooth—just solid USB-C and tons of storage for apps.”

Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Advantages:

✅ CC EAL5+ secure element with on-device confirmations
✅ Ledger Live is polished with staking, swaps, and portfolio view
✅ Broadest ecosystem support (5,000+ assets via apps)
✅ Nano X works wirelessly with iOS/Android (Bluetooth)
✅ S Plus offers excellent price-to-performance via USB-C

Disadvantages:

❌ Firmware not fully open-source (a concern for purists)
❌ Ledger Recover (opt-in) is controversial among some users
❌ Some assets still require external wallets/advanced setup
❌ No Bluetooth on S Plus; Nano X costs more for convenience

Setup Tutorial

Download Ledger Live (desktop or mobile), initialize the device, securely write down your 24-word recovery phrase, and install the coin apps you need. For EVM chains and DeFi, connect Ledger to MetaMask and verify every transaction on the device screen.

Global Crypto Wallet Leaderboard

See how Ledger stacks up against other wallets in our live rankings: